College Relations Core Leadership Area 

 

"Why work with student chapters?"

That is a question we are sometimes asked in the SHRM Student Programs Department. It is also one with a simple answer: It is part of the SHRM mission to advance the human resource profession. Working with students to provide them with real-world exposure to human resources and to enhance their education is a great way to help SHRM fulfill that part of its mission.

There is a great deal of satisfaction resulting from mentoring students as they make the transition from backpack to briefcase. Taking on this role gives you an opportunity to give back to your profession by helping prepare the HR professionals of tomorrow. Chances are, you assumed this leadership position because you wanted to help make a positive impact on our student members.

The fall semester is close, and our more than 12,000 student members will be preparing for their new slate of classes. Fall is also the traditional "reboot" for our more than 400 affiliated student chapters; they will elect new chapter officers, begin recruiting efforts, participate in campus activities fairs to increase awareness of SHRM and chapter participation, and hopefully reach out to their local SHRM professional sponsor chapters for assistance. This is a crucial time for college relations volunteers to jump in and provide support. So what should you do?

1. Identify which student chapters are in your state or local area and reach out to each chapter advisor. Consult the SHRM Student Chapter Directory online. If you need further information or assistance, contact Student Programs.

2. Review each school's calendar, typically available on college and university websites. Be mindful of exam schedules and term breaks. If possible, look for schedules of HR classes as well. This is especially useful if students never attend your chapter meetings -- it may be that your meetings conflict with their class times. Try to organize events with the school schedules in mind and be sensitive to demands on students and advisors that are associated with the beginning and end of semesters.

3. Remind your advisors about the Student Chapter Information Form deadline. This simple online form is due to the Student Programs team by Sept. 30 each year, as a condition of maintaining active affiliation status. You may wish to send a gentle reminder to your advisors to submit it.

4. Try to attend one student chapter meeting at the beginning of each semester, so you can introduce yourself to the student chapter officers and the advisor. This way, you can identify the appropriate individuals to contact, the goals for the chapter, and how the professional chapter can be supportive.

5. Provide speakers to student chapters. Student chapters are always searching for good speakers throughout the school year, and this is an excellent opportunity to interact with the students. In addition, student chapters receive credit on their Student Chapter Merit Award application for each speaker who attends their meeting. Be sure to notify student leaders and advisors that you, or others in your chapter, are willing to come speak at a meeting.

6. Be the college relations champion at chapter and state council meetings. As a college relations volunteer, you represent and are often the voice of the students. Therefore, you should communicate the activities of the various student chapters at your chapter or state council meetings. It is an excellent opportunity to promote students and their accomplishments. It is also an opportunity to get financial support and gather volunteers for student activities.

7. Organize student sessions and activities at your state conferences. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with students, advisors and others interested in student programs. Consider holding a leadership session for students or student chapter workshops so they may share some of the best practices their chapters undertake.

8. Start a new student chapter or revive an inactive chapter. You play a central role in the development of new or inactive chapters. Throughout the year, contact colleges and universities in your state or local area to determine whether another student chapter could be viable.

Keep in mind that you are not alone. One of the most positive aspects of being involved with SHRM's college relations program is that everyone wants to see the students and student chapters succeed. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance in your role!

For more information, visit the SHRM Student Programs website or contact Student Programs at SHRMStudent@shrm.org or (800) 283-SHRM.

Upcoming Notable Student Programs Dates:

Aug. 16, 2007 -- 4 p.m.
College Relations CLA Conference Call

Aug. 23, 2007 -- 4 p.m.
College Relations Webcast

Sept. 30, 2007
Student Chapter Information Forms Due

Oct. 12, 2007 SHRM Foundation Scholarship Deadline